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Number of hives in signiture line

Is it possible to modify the sig line so that "number of hives" has a place at the top of the post so that the question doesn't have to be asked all the time?
This would also allow the reader to get an insight to someones question or answer as you will take into consideration the number of hives they have. I understand it would need to be optional, but I'd certainly enjoy reading a comment or question and see how many hives the poster has, as it is something I ask myself every time I read something (I wonder how many hives they have and how their view relates to the post or to me)
Comments welcome, for or against, but of course you have to tell me how many hives you have!
I have one, and a tiny nuc trying to survive out of winter.

Re: Number of hives in signiture line

Sorry I am against it and the reason being that this type of thing can lead to members being judged in the comments that they make as to what their experience or competency level might be, I have already seen this ugliness rear it's head up. This forum has a profile section and a signature line for this type of thing if you so desire to use it.

Re: Number of hives in signiture line

In many cases listing the number of hives would only be used to brag or lend credibility to someone's post.

If that were the case I would need to also see photos of each hive,condition of equipment,goals of beekeeper, production spreadsheet, region, health records of beekeeper, available capital, P&L statement etc. I might then be able to judge the value of post or whatever that # is suppose to represent. Anyone can have a bunch of hives it's what your doing with them, why and with what resources that matter.

I prefer to read the post and use them as a starting point for my own education.

Re: Number of hives in signiture line

I met a guy last year that was picking up 20 nucs from a vendor I was at. He had never kept bees before, but was determined he was going to make a living at it. His business plan was 20 in 2012 then 200 in 2013. After speaking with him for about 5 minutes while his truck was being loaded, it was painfully obvious he didn't have even the first clue about bees or beekeeping. Even the basic biology or care.

That guy (if he is/was on this forum) could put "20 hives" and by virtue of that "qualifier" many people would judge his opinion to be worth something. In reality, I'll bet that this winter or next spring he'll have a whoooole bunch of hardware for sale cheap.

"Teach your kids to hunt and fish, and you won't have to hunt for your kids"
Four Ridge Apiaries www.fourridgebees.com

Re: Number of hives in signiture line

The number of hives won't really tell you much. There's beeks that have decades of experiance and success, but they choose to
keep only a few hives. I have nine "hives" currently, up from two last summer. It doesn't mean I know a darn thing.

Re: Number of hives in signiture line

I like it. Mind if I lie? Whenever USDA Ag Statistics call me with their questionaire I always set the ground rules and make sure they understand that whatever I tell them is probably wrong, ie, a lie. As long as they understand that I'll answer as best I can, but it's not like I have the answers to their questions in accurate number files right in front of me.

Re: Number of hives in signiture line

I don't know that hive tool number seems a little low. Truth be told I set up the index to allow for losing a bunch without sever penalty. I "misplace" them from time to time! I've yet to run over my smoker!

Re: Number of hives in signiture line

Originally Posted by Mbeck

I don't know that hive tool number seems a little low. Truth be told I set up the index to allow for losing a bunch without sever penalty. I "misplace" them from time to time! I've yet to run over my smoker!

OMG I'm well over like a million...nah not quite but......oh wait I still have to factor in the hive tool and smoker destruction index. Considering I usually buy around four of each per year but can rarely find one when I really need it I think that might put me in the red. Yes a loaded truck can really turn a smoker into some interesting artwork.
Actually I think putting hives and experience on your signature line isn't a great idea. I have found some folks get real defensive about such things. The unique thing about internet forums is that you get judged on here by the content of your posts, nobody knows any trivial stuff to judge you on. Some of the brightest folks on here don't have a lot of hives but are quite perceptive. People that spend some time on here start to figure out pretty quickly who knows what they are talking about and who......well you get the idea.

"People will generally accept facts as truth only if the facts agree with what they already believe."- Andy Rooney

Re: Number of hives in signiture line

Originally Posted by Mbeck

How about a Beekeepers index.
Number of hives x years keeping bees - the number of hive tools you lost divided by the number of smokers you've run over = Beekeeper index!

Can we factor in how gallons of honey you scrapped off the extracting room floor this year? That might improve my score.
Does dropping the smoker enough until the bottom pops off, equal running over them?